FAQs

Q: What is the starting pay ?A:$12.32 per hour wages (40% of Journeyman Rate) and $5.80 per hour Health and Welfare (Insurance)

Q: How often do apprentices receive raises?A:Raises are on a time based schedule as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. There are two in the first year and one every year until graduation. Since their wage is a percentage of the journeyman rate, any contract raises are proportionally paid to the apprentices.

Q: Are there benefits? If so, at what point?A: After working 140 hours and the associated paper work is complete, you and your dependents will receive health care coverage. It may take several months to qualify for benefits depending on hours worked. This is a $5.80 per hour employer contribution. Pension and Annuity benefits are available starting in your second year. After one year and reasonable progress, apprentices become members of IBEW Local 540.

Q: Can I get credit for previous electrical training?A: Credit can be given for “electrical construction” experience and related training. In cases of advanced standing, a proficiency test may be employed to assess trade knowledge. Military Veterans can also get credit for an M.O.S. that directly relates to Electrical Construction.

Q: What is the difference between the Residential, Telecom, and Inside Apprenticeships?A: Residential work is in homes and apartments typically using nonmetallic sheathed cable. Telecommunications work is on low voltage systems used in buildings, such as, voice and data networks. Inside work is on the wiring and mechanical systems used to provide power to commercial and industrial buildings. All of the above apprenticeships require mechanical ability to install electrical equipment.

Q: How stable is employment?A: Apprentices are assigned to signatory employers. There may be times during the apprenticeship when apprentices miss work. Factors such as the economy and weather influence job opportunities. The JATC attempts to keep all apprentices working. However, the recent developments in the natural gas industry should have a dramatic effect on employment in a positive way.

Q: Is there an age limit?A: No.

Q: Can women apply?A: Yes.

Q: Can I be admitted into the program while I’m enrolled in an Algebra course?A: You are not eligible to be hired until you have successfully completed a High School or College Algebra Course.

Q: How many apprentices are selected each year?A: The number selected depends on demand and attrition of the workforce.

Q: What does the aptitude test consist of?A: Basic Algebra and Reading Comprehension.

Q: Does any one part of the application process weigh any heavier than the others? (ex. the interview, the aptitude test, etc.)?A: Some factors that are considered are academic ability, physical capability, and experience. We try to match aptitudes and interests to those that will allow for success in the electrical industry.

Q: Who should the letters of recommendation be from?A: They should be from past employers or co-workers (from anyone other than a relative) who could give us a good idea of your work ethic and dependability.

Q: Do I have to pay for my schooling?A: No, the JATC pays for your apprenticeship. You must pay a $50 book fee, $30 licensing fees, and hand tools your first year. While attending the next four years of the apprenticeship, you will be responsible to pay the cost of your books each year before school starts in the Fall.

A laptop computer with a windows 7 or better operating system, and internet access will be required for all first year apprentices beginning in 2014.

Q: Do I have to currently be working in the electrical field.A: No. Apprentices are trained with a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The JATC will assign you with a signatory contractor.

Q: If I am chosen when do I start to work?A: Applicants are selected based on industry demand. Generally, apprentices are indentured in the Spring and/ or Summer.

Q: When do classes begin?A: Classes typically begin in late August and are scheduled to conclude by June. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and some Saturdays. Evening classes begin at 5:00PM and end at 8:00PM. Saturday classes generally meet from 7:00AM until 1:00PM. Students must attend all scheduled classes. Most classes are held at the Greater Stark County Electrical Trades Center.

Q: What happens if I fail my class?A: You must maintain a 75% GPA. Each case will be evaluated based on all circumstances. Apprentices that do not make reasonable progress are in danger of being terminated from the program.

Q: What type of work will I be doing?A: Electrical Construction – this means installing the electrical systems and associated wiring of Commercial and Industrial buildings. Climbing ladders, working on scaffolds, working on overhead steel structures (you must not be afraid of heights), excavations of trenches or ditches. You will be required to work indoors and outdoors in various environments..